Skip to content

Biology Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky

“EVOLUTION RESTS ON three steps: (a) certain biological traits are inherited by genetic means; (b) mutations and gene recombination produce variation in those traits; (c) some of those variants confer more “fitness” than others. Given those conditions, over time the frequency of more “fit” gene…” quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
Download Open image
““EVOLUTION RESTS ON three steps: (a) certain biological traits are inherited by genetic means; (b) mutations and gene recombination produce variation in those traits; (c) some of those variants confer more “fitness” than others. Given those conditions, over time the frequency of more “fit” gene variants increases in a population.””

Robert M. Sapolsky

About This Quote

Source Book: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, Robert M. Sapolsky, 2017

Evolution proceeds through inheritance, variation, and differential survival of traits, leading to increased frequency of advantageous genes.

In simple terms: Evolution works via inheritance, mutation, and survival of the fittest.

Key Takeaway

Focus on creating beneficial variations.

Themes

biology evolution genetics adaptation

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

scientific educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • research
  • policy making
  • conservation

Key Concepts

natural selection fitness population dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do cultural factors influence genetic evolution?
  • What role does random mutation play in adaptation?
A Different Perspective

Evolutionary change can be slowed by environmental constraints.

2.4 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Robert M. Sapolsky

Explore all 280 Robert M. Sapolsky quotes

More Biology quotes

Browse all 3,033 Biology quotes